She was certain something terrible had happened. She told the cops that he was missing. They said they’d look into it, but she wasn’t optimistic. A disappearance at sea was way beyond their abilities, much less their jurisdiction.

After only a week, the anxiety was too much. Everything about Alaska reminded her of Brad. Brad and that damned island.

She needed a change.

###

Frank rose from his recliner to answer the knock at the door. He opened it to find the last person he expected.

His daughter, Kathy.

They hadn’t heard from her in two months, and even that was a five-minute conversation with Megan, announcing that she’d hooked up with some fishing captain up in Alaska. His baby girl hadn’t been home in over three years.

And now here she was, looking absolutely miserable. Her arms and left cheek were badly bruised, and he spotted stitches on her neck, just above her shirt collar. Tears streamed down her face.

She’d run away from home the last time he’d confronted a former boyfriend who’d slapped her. Right now, Frank wanted his baby safe at home.

“Dad? Can I have my old bedroom back?”

He wrapped his arms tightly around her. “Pumpkin, of course you can stay here. Any time you want, for as long as you want.” He kissed the top of her head. “Your momma is out taking Jasper for a run. She’ll be back in a few.”

“Jasper?” Kathy asked, her face pressed against his chest, her voice muffled.

“I could have sworn I told you about him. We got a new dog.”

Kathy pulled away, wiping the tears from her face. “Really? After Daisy died, I didn’t think Mom was ever going to get another puppy.”

He forced a smile. “I suppose Jasper picked us and not the other way around. You’ll like him. He’s smart as all get-out and he doesn’t fuss nearly as much as some young lady I know.” He winked. “Now come inside.”

“Let me go get my bags.”

“No.” Frank pulled his baby inside and motioned toward the sofa. “You just go have a seat and relax. I’ll take care of everything.”

###

Kathy lay on her bed with the shades drawn. She’d been home for a week, and the ghosts of what had happened on that island still haunted her. The image of Brad’s bloody face was a near-constant presence.

The fear was still with her too. The anxiety gnawed at her insides, leaving her feeling feverish and exhausted.

The door to her bedroom cracked open, and Jasper’s brown nose poked in.

Kathy turned away from the door and pulled the covers up around her.

Hearing padded feet, Kathy ignored the approaching animal.